What if you could add a touch of the alien to your plant accumulation with minimum effort ? The Urchin Cactus ( Echinopsis spp . ) offers just that – a plant life so unique and soft to care for that it practically grows itself .
With its striking silhouette and vivacious prime , this cactus is more than just another plant ; it ’s a conversation dispatcher .
This cactus , also known as Hedgehog Cactus , Sea Urchin Cactus or Easter Lily Cactus , is beloved by both beginner and experient gardener for its unique embodiment , vibrant efflorescence , and minimal care requirements .
Curious to learn how you may cultivate this beaut in your own home or garden ? Keep reading , and we ’ll walk you through every footstep of the process .
What is the Urchin Cactus?
The Urchin Cactus belongs to the Echinopsis genus , which includes over 100 species of cacti native to South America . These cacti are typically small to medium - sized , with a globular or slightly cylindrical shape resembling a sea urchin – hence the name .
The most striking feature of speech of the Urchin Cactus is its beautiful , big , cornet - determine flowers that come in a variety of colors , let in pink , white , red , and xanthous .
One of the most likeable aspect of the Urchin Cactus is its ability to boom in various environment . Whether you live in a hot , desiccated climate or a region with cooler temperature , this resilient cactus can adapt and boom with the right care .
Source:YouTube
Why Choose the Urchin Cactus?
Before diving into the how - to of growing the Urchin Cactus , let ’s explore why this particular cactus might be the double-dyed addition to your plant collection :
1 . Low Maintenance : Like many cacti , the Urchin Cactus requires minimal fear . It ’s drought - tolerant , get it ideal for those who may forget to water their plants on a regular basis .
2 . Beautiful Blooms : The flowers of the Urchin Cactus are striking , often much large than the cactus body itself . These flush typically appear in the springtime and summer and can last for several days .
3 . Compact Size : Urchin Cacti are relatively small-scale , make them sodding for container gardening or as part of a succulent placement .
4 . Easy Propagation : If you want to blow up your cactus collection or contribution plants with friends , the Urchin Cactus is loose to propagate from offsets or seed .
Getting Started: How to Grow an Urchin Cactus
1. Choosing the Right Soil
The first stride to turn a healthy Urchin Cactus is take the right soil . Cacti , including the Urchin Cactus , prefer well - drain soil to prevent solution rot . you could purchase a commercial cactus or succulent mix , which is particularly formulated for these plant .
Alternatively , you may make your own mix by aggregate one part pot soil , one part sand , and one part perlite or pumice . This combination ensures that water drain quickly , keep the root from sitting in wet .
2. Potting Your Urchin Cactus
When it comes to potting your Urchin Cactus , choose a container with drain holes to allow excess weewee to take to the woods . Terra cotta pot are a popular choice because they ’re porous and help prevent overwatering .
The size of the pot should be slightly larger than the cactus itself , giving the stem enough room to farm without overwhelming the plant with too much soil .
To pot your Urchin Cactus :
3. Watering the Urchin Cactus
tearing is a critical aspect of Urchin Cactus tending . Like most cacti , it ’s better to underwater than overwater . During the uprise season ( spring and summertime ) , water the cactus thoroughly , but allow the grease to dry out out completely between lachrymation .
This mimics the natural desert precondition where cacti prosper .
In the winter , reduce watering significantly , as the cactus enters a hibernating phase angle . weewee sparingly , just enough to keep the plant from shriveling . Overwatering during the winter months is one of the most common cause of root waste in cacti .
Source:YouTube
4. Providing the Right Light
Urchin Cacti love sun , but they do best with indirect or percolate light . Too much direct sunshine can do the cactus to become sunburnt , especially if it ’s exposed suddenly after being indoors .
A cheery windowsill with filtered light or a dapple in your garden with fond shade is idealistic .
If you ’re grow the cactus indoors and do n’t have a promising enough situation , weigh using a turn illumination to affix instinctive light . Aim for at least 6 hour of light per Clarence Day during the grow time of year .
Source:YouTube
5. Temperature and Humidity
Urchin Cacti are somewhat hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures . They thrive in temperature between 60 ° degree Fahrenheit and 80 ° F ( 15 ° C to 27 ° C ) during the uprise season .
However , they can also handle cooler temperatures down to 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) during their dormant period , as long as they are kept dry .
These cacti prefer miserable humidness environments , exchangeable to their natural desert habitat . If you last in a in particular humid area , ensure your cactus is in a well - ventilated space to forestall surplus moisture buildup .
Source:YouTube
Propagating Your Urchin Cactus
One of the joys of get Urchin Cacti is the ease with which they can be propagated . There are two primary method of multiplication : by offsets ( pups ) and by seeds .
Propagation by Offsets
Offsets , or pups , are small cacti that arise at the root word of the parent plant life . These can be slay and potted individually to produce newfangled plants . Here ’s how to do it :
Propagation by Seeds
grow Urchin Cacti from source is a bit more time - consuming but rewarding . Here ’s how :
Common Problems and Solutions
While Urchin Cacti are comparatively low - maintenance , they ’re not entirely problem - free . Here are some common issues you might meet and how to address them :
1.Overwatering : The most common problem with Urchin Cacti is overwatering , which can lead to ascendant putrefaction . Ensure you allow the grease to dry out out altogether between waterings and reduce watering in the winter .
2 . Pests : Although rare , pests like mealybugs and wanderer jot can infest your cactus . If you observe white cottony spots or webbing , treat the flora with insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol .
Source: Reddit
3 . Sunburn : If your cactus is break to too much unmediated sunlight , it can develop brown , sunburnt spots . Move the cactus to a spot with filter light and bit by bit reintroduce it to brighter condition .
4 . deficiency of flower : If your Urchin Cactus is n’t flowering , it could be due to insufficient light or unlawful watering . Ensure it ’s getting enough light and reduce lacrimation in the wintertime to encourage blooming in the bound .
Displaying Your Urchin Cactus
The Urchin Cactus is a various plant that can be expose in various way to enhance your home or garden . Here are a few approximation :
With its low-pitched - sustentation care , arresting efflorescence , and compact sizing , the Urchin Cactus is a must - have for any plant fancier . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a tyro , this live cactus is an excellent add-on to your collection .
By come the crown and guidelines outline in this office , you ’ll be well on your way to growing a healthy , flourish Urchin Cactus that will bring beauty and stake to your place or garden for year to come .
So why waitress ? start out growing your Urchin Cactus today and savor the gratification of cultivating one of nature ’s most fascinating and beautiful plant !
Overwatered Urchin CactiSource: Reddit
